Champions League: The draw all Arsenal fans wanted to avoid

Details: Written by Alex Carnaby-Hayes; Published: Friday, 09 August 2013 13:57

Arsenal have been paired with Turkish club Fenerbahce in the Champions League qualifier drawn in Switzerland today.

Arguably the most difficult tie that we could have faced, the away leg in Turkey will take place on Wednesday August 21 with the return leg at the Emirates on Tuesday 27^th August.

Controversy

However the big talking point is Fenerbahce’s inclusion in the competition. The Turkish side were banned from the Champions League and Europa League for 2 season following match fixing allegations in June.

However the club are awaiting official confirmation from the Court of Arbitration for Sport- a decision due to be made on the 29^th August after the tie has taken place.

Fenerbahce

Away from the controversy, Arsenal are faced with a difficult tie but despite this, one they will still fancy themselves to win. The Turkish giants finished 10 points behind big spending rivals Galatasaray last season and are hoping for better this time around.

Top scorers Pierre Webo and Moussa Sow will give our defence something to think about, as well as former Liverpool men Dirk Kuyt and Raul Meireles.

Backed up by solid defenders such as Bruno Alves and Gokhan Gonul, on the pitch there is plenty of quality.

Atmosphere

The infamous Turkish atmosphere will be a giant hurdle that the Arsenal team will need to overcome. The world hostile comes to mind but I don’t even think that does it justice.

On the pitch, if we hit top gear, I believe we should have enough to see off Fenerbahce.

A lot also depends on how we start the season- if it starts rocky especially with no new signings then the qualifier will be even more tricky.

The fans will get on Arsene Wengers back very quickly this season after a summer of lies, so let’s just hope Fenerbahce don’t add to any potential misery.

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Comments

#12 Matthew 2013-08-11 09:23

I wanted Fenerbahce.
1. Fenerbahce beat us home & away
2. Wenger signs top players/is sacked
3. Fenerbahce kicked out
4. Arsenal reinstated

#11 sahid 2013-08-10 16:48

Nothing to say,for me is unbelievable arsenal havent sign any player is this 4 real?after d team 7pts behind tottenam they said we will spend money n strenghen d team in d summer now we only got a week 4 the league to start no signing,4 d champions league i just got d feeling we might not make bcs of d lies frm d board n wenger hope not,i just believe wenger confortable with this team.

#10 DeNko 2013-08-10 10:38

Arsenal needs to signs players weather champion league qualifiers or not, I don't care much about champions league I want EPL title.. We have the money he needs to spent it...

-1 #9 TC 2013-08-09 21:43

This is not an easy draw, Fenerbahce will be well up for this, they know we are just about toothless in the striking department so they will press home this advantage believe me, they will take no prisoners. If we don't get a good result....in this case a draw will not be good enough, we could easily be put out by Fenerbahce, I have no faith in the present team at all, and no faith in Wonger either.

-1 #8 Pauly h 2013-08-09 16:33

Goodbye mr WENGER your time is up

-2 #7 Jb4real 2013-08-09 15:35

D draw is not good 4 arsenal

+1 #6 gb 2013-08-09 15:16

The draw's fine, stop getting so hysterical.

Dirk Kuyt? 33 years old and not very good. Any team that can give him a regular game can't be all that.

Fener will be challenging but we should be able to manage it without too much drama.

-1 #5 gersyl 2013-08-09 15:11

Arsenal will crash out and it will be thanks to Wenger! Just imagine that if we need help from the bench, we will have Akpom to call upon! Elimination will be a bitter pill to swallow but one Wenger will not be able to hide from...

-2 #4 Andreas 2013-08-09 15:05

No hopes for Arsenal as long as Wenger stays. Arsenal fans should blame themselves only for their stupid tolerance.

+2 #3 Betram Nwaukwa 2013-08-09 14:49

Good for Arsenal. May be Arsene Wenger and his so called board will now go for new signings.

+1 #2 Bishaaj 2013-08-09 14:28

Not the perfect draw that I was looking forward to but still fancy us to go through

+7 #1 Francine 2013-08-09 14:17

'A draw SOME Arsenal Fans wanted to avoid'

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